Occupational Health Branch

Respiratory Protection: Cal/OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard

When engineering and work practice controls do not provide enough protection from workplace hazards, personal protective equipment such as respiratory protection may be necessary. However, a respirator will not provide the intended protection if employers choose the wrong type of respirator or one that doesn’t fit the individual worker, or allow it to be used improperly.

The Cal/OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard covers any use of respiratory protection in the workplace. Employer requirements include a written program with designated program administrator, respirator selection procedures, medical evaluations, training, fit testing and recordkeeping.